Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1887-09-09
CHARLES SUMMERS KINDNESS.
1t Was tho Means of Saving One Man
from IA Drunkard's Grave.

1t Was tho Means of Saving One Man
from Drunkard's Grave.
DO remember Andrew j. Roberts,"
quoth an old state politician ayes. He had
checkcred career, poor man. But with all
his shortcomings he was a bright, indeed q
brilliant, man. lie was great politician
years ago. and not only took extraordinary
interest in the great questions of the day, but
knew Intimately all the prominent public
men. lie was well read, Intelligent and a
good talker, but he had fai.,lg. He could
not be depended upon, and at times was help
less.
"IIe used to hang around the state Republi-
can headquarters from morning until night
throughout the campaign, and campaigns
lasted in those days nearly five months. 1t
was during the anti slavciy days, when every
body was at the highest pitch of excitement.
| remember one day in particular, when a
number of prominent politicians were assem-
blcd at headquarters, among them Charles
Sumner and Henry Wilson, Sumner was in
the rear room, Wilson in the front In
alked Roberts. He talked in loud voice
and disturbed the whole assembly Stepping
into the rear room lie sped Sumner in earn
est conversation with n friend. Giving him
tremendous slap OH the shoulder, he shouted:
D you, Sumner, how IRE you! Why
don't you be as hearty and genial as your
friend Wilson,
"The effect of this rough handling of Sum-
ncr can readily be imagined by those who re-
member or have read of the dignifled and
scholarly man. 1t was not only shock, but
an insult. Sumner turned as white as sheet,
but said nothing. lie realized Roberts condi-
ton and wisely kept his peace Roberts was
NV l,,l
room.
at was not long after this that Roberts
came to want and grief He was actually
destitute. lie looked hungry and was poorly
clad. In despair he came to me one day for
work or advice The big tears rolled down
his checks as he told me how destitute and de-
graded he was, and how he lohged to reform.
| told him had no work, and advised him to
go to Sumner.
"'Go to Summer he said oh, no. | in
suited Sumner u short time ago can't GO
y es, you cam | said Go to him Just as
you have come to me. Tell him frankly the
whole story, and he will help you
"Roberts did rs advised. About 10 o'clock
the next morning he buttoned his shabby
coat around his neck, to hide his flannel shirt.
anu made his way to the man whom he had
grossly insulted but n short time before
Sumner, it is well known was always a late
riser and seldom breakfasted before IL
O'Clock. He received the unfortunate man
kindly, and, inviting him to breakfast
listened patiently to his story Roberts told
lie aiterward that that was the first square
meal he had eaten for u long time. In less
than two days Roberts was given n position
in the navy yard, and hencefprth was u diff
ferent man. When he told me later his OK
perience with Sumner that morning his eyes
filieu with tears and his voice trembled with
emotion. 1t was magnanimous act ON the
part of Sumner, and an outward expression
of his true character.
at was the turning point in Roberts
career. Only few months ago he delivered
one OF the best temperance speeches | ever
heard i'll my life. Up to the day of his death.
which occurred quite recently, lie had great
veneratioh Tor the memory pr Sumner, the
man who was SO kind and generous to him i'm
trouble boston Record